Third time’s a charm, as they say. In my case with video game expos and conventions, the third visit’s clear affirmation that MAGFest is indeed the mecca of community gaming.

As mentioned previously before COVID-19, MAGFest (Music and Gaming Festival) is arguably the ultimate video game event in the world. That is a bold statement to proclaim, but as someone who has been to many, MANY video game & pop culture events from Penny Arcade Expo to E3 to Tokyo Game Show, there is nothing quite like MAGFest.

True, it can get expensive as it’s all the way in the US of A. And you’re not lining up to play exclusive never-seen-before games before everybody else; everything you play here is within grasp and reach. However, it’s a one-of-a-kind event worth going to once, if only to see what a dedicated community can gather together for 16 years straight (since that’s how long MAGFest has lasted) through their own pocket money and little to no corporate sponsors. The hype surrounding its unique setup and 24/7 all-day gaming party and music fiesta is justified.

MAGFest was incredible, thanks to everyone who watched the show, in person or online. If you have photos, please post them here! pic.twitter.com/5JXXfwfhAI

— Red Vox (@redvoxband) January 30, 2025

This year’s iteration from 23 to 26 January 2025 still maintains the quality of the event while also bringing in giant music acts that impress with their live performances & croonings. These bands may sound alien to you initially, but just check out their archive performances on YouTube, and you’ll understand why these acts are worth checking out live once in your lifetime.

I’ll just list down bullet points on why this year’s show is godlike:

-The acts alone on the show’s main stage from Thursday to Saturday are worth watching live. These include a Transformers cosplay band called Cybertronic Spree, metal group Power Glove, Persona vocalist Lotus Juice, Sonic music maker Tee Lopes, DJ Cutman, and music-slash-speedrunner group Bit Brigade.

-The rest of the venue in Gaylord National Resort & Convention Centre, a big-as-hell place by the by, also has other rooms (like a Chiptune Space dedicated to electronica folks like Silvagunner), gazebo spots, and areas dedicated to non-stop music and jam sessions. You’ll find not just new music acts, but also a chance for yourself to participate and play any instrument of your choice and dive right in. No judgment.
–A large 24/7 arcade section featuring loads of classics from various genres from music/rhythm to fighting game. I even managed to find a machine with Twinkle Star Sprites, arguably the best versus shooter game ever made that I’m the top champion at in Malaysia. No, seriously, I will kill you in this game.
-A massive 24/7 console section featuring many, many tournaments for various titles like all the Super Smash Bros series to even Tekken 3 for the PS1, to even a dedicated Rock Band setup complete with a giant projector.
-A dedicated indie section for existing and upcoming titles, including an Angry Video Game Nerd game with a setup that is based on the show’s living room & couch. Other indie highlights include the upcoming rhythm game Unbeatable and Wario Ware-style minigame title MINDWAVE.
-All activities and performances just feel genuine here, and there’s a lot to do. As mentioned before, there are little to no corporate sponsors like your Razers or your first-party game company brands; all machines and setups here are brought out of everybody’s own inventory and pocket. Having said that, there are a lot of merch and shops for people to line-up and buy goodies at.
-The vibes; they’re just good. It’s easy to make friends and chit-chat with everyone here, since everyone in the venue share the same love for gaming, music, anime, pop culture and all of the above.

As with all event recaps, pictures speak a thousand words. Check out the snaps I took of this year’s exclusive festivities. It more or less cements the fact that this is peak gaming event material when everything else after this is downhill from there. You truly had to be there.